Family Planning Advocates CEO to speak at SU's Maxwell School tonight

Syracuse, N.Y. -- M. Tracey Brooks, president and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of New York state, will discuss the women's equality agenda tonight at Syracuse University's Maxwell School.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo early this year introduced a 10-point plan called the Women's Equality Act that included a broad range of law changes affecting women and children, from cracking down on human trafficking to changing rules in the workplace.

Senate Republicans agreed to nine of those issues -- but not a 10th that would codify Roe v. Wade language ensuring abortion rights into state laws. Critics at the time said the change was unnecessary and could broaden abortion procedures, which Cuomo denied.

Assembly Democrats, meanwhile, passed all 10 aspects of the act. In the end, neither house passed corresponding legislation so the entire 10-point plan failed.

Brooks, who is also affiliated with Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York State, wants to garner support for the full agenda during the 2014 legislative session.